Kortman Gallery hosts Jude McCanse book signing Dec. 11

J.R. Kortman Center for Design will host a book signing for Rockford author Jude McCanse from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11. The book, titled The Disappearance of Dawn, is McCanse’s first published children’s book featuring charming illustrations by former Rockford resident Liz Wolf.

The Disappearance of Dawn is a richly-illustrated poem that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

McCanse said: “This book should pique your children’s imagination, introduce figurative language, pique their interest in nature and mythology, enrich their vocabulary and foster critical thinking skills. I have been enjoying and writing poetry since I was a child. For me, poetry was and is a way to express not only my feelings, but my impressions of the world around me. I was a shy child, a deep thinker, and poetry was my voice.”

McCanse has been writing poetry since childhood, but has not pursued publishing until recently. She is a speech pathologist living in Rockford with her husband, Don, a general surgeon. They have five grown children.

The book signing will be upstairs in the Kortman Gallery, where patrons can see Fable: Explorations of the Fantastic, featuring the spectacular beaded sculptures by Betsy Youngquist. The Gallery Bar will be open Friday evening from 6 to 10 p.m.